Trimming the flaps and stitching the handle.
Sewing the fabric lining to the inner (pocket) flap (this is the back side of the fabric).
The completed interior of the bag with three pockets.
For messenger bags...
...I like to cut the strap a bit wider than I do with my purses.
After trimming out the strap...
...I carefully turn it 'right side out' and hand-stitch it along the cut edges.
When the bag has been felted a bit more...
...I cut the bag flaps to the desired size.
(I like a nice rectangular shape for the front flap on a messenger bag.)
Make sure that your inner flap is not too long...
...or it won't fit well inside the bag after you've stitched it to its fabric lining.
For this bag's three pocket interior ...
...I marked sections on the fabric's backside with a pen (one for a cell phone, one for keys and one larger pocket).
I then cut corresponding openings in the felt...
...and stitched the fabric around the flap edges and along the marked lines, segmenting the pocket.
Next time: the finished bag...
...with beading! :)
19 comments:
Beading as well? Ever more embellished and exotic!
Heather your fabric stash must be amazing! You always use such interesting fabrics!
Love the way you have made pockets for this.. very useful.
x
ooooh, I LOVE the kitty fabric. Too darn adorable! I learn a bit more with each bag post you create and hopefully am starting to get a better understanding so I can try again. Now to find the time ;-)
Cudne kociambry.
okay, this is fantastic, and I think the white one is my favorite so far. I love the inside pocket flap, do you stitch that down inside?
Wow, can't wait to see the finished bag.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!
Wow, reading your blog is like watching a magic show!!! Thank you for another informative and inspiring post!
Kitty Fabric! I love it. I am glad you are showing the detailed process. It is really amazing to see how the bag progresses.
Rachel--I'm not much of an embellisher, so I'm always rather proud of myself when I do any! :)
Deborah--My friend, Denise, is a cat lover, so I thought that the black and white kitties would really please her...AND coordinate with the bag! :)
Andrea--Thanks! You're always so busy with your million and one projects. Maybe with this heat, it's time to make a felted kitchen rug outdoors in a baby wading pool. Your kids would get a kick out of stomping on it, I'll bet!
Thanks, Z-t!
Kelly--If you look closely at the photo of the inside of the bag, you'll see that I only sew one line of stitching at the very top of the folded-in flap. That, plus the weight of the fabric and the things in the pockets keeps it inside.
Thanks, 'both Melissas' and Tamara! I'm glad you like seeing the process. XXO-
And the kittehs do please me - I love them! And I'm with everyone who thinks this is the best bag ever, because of course she gifted it to moi. :)
I must admit, I was curious about the handle construction, so this post was intriguing to me. I'm still waiting until the fall to start using it - it will feel like a real treat (and a little like the beginning of the school year when I was a kid).
this time everything is clear!
love the peeping kittens:)
Oh, that peaking cat fabric liner is adorable. :-)
Kitties! What an adorable surprise.
Love it already!!! hugzz...peebee
Denise--:) Oh, how I loved to buy 'school clothes' in the fall as a child! I know just what you mean!
Riet--Yay!
Kathryn and Beth--I sewed a narrow, striped scarf with the kitty fabric (along with grey and black wool) some time ago and I just fell in love with it.
Peebee--Thanks!!
Oh! Beading! Can't wait to see!
I love all the pockets- they are perfectly placed and look functional- like, as in, they will really be useful! The stitching stands out really nicely on the felt surface. It's great to see your process Heather!
Thanks, Fiona! I was happy with the pockets in this one, too. Has your mail started moving again, yet? Any sign of the yarn? XXO-
An amazing mix of techniques. This fabric is interesting and the added fiber bits put it over the top. Your creativity is impressive. I am envious.
Thanks, Ally! I have fun trying new things!
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